Jennifer Ross is recognized as an exceptional administrative professional whose impact on the Student Services and Special Education department is felt by every student, family, and colleague she serves. Known for her expertise, responsiveness, and genuine care, Jennifer is the kind of person her team simply could not function without.

Nominators describe Jennifer as someone who consistently goes above and beyond in every aspect of her role, combining specialized knowledge with efficiency and a warmth that makes even the most complex processes feel manageable. She navigates challenging situations with poise, often anticipating problems and resolving them before they grow. Whether she is guiding families through the special education process, coordinating timelines to ensure compliance, managing state reporting, or supporting staff with procedural questions, she brings the same thoughtfulness and purpose to every task.

One nominator shared that Jennifer's ability to create efficient systems keeps their department running smoothly. Others highlight her responsiveness to emails, her ability to hold staff accountable for correct and timely documentation, and her knack for pointing out errors before they become bigger problems. For families, Jennifer sets the tone from the very first interaction, patient, warm, and approachable, helping people feel supported as they navigate what can sometimes be an unfamiliar system.

Through her dedication, problem-solving, and commitment to service, Jennifer exemplifies Academic Achievement, Supportive School Environments, and Responsible Use of Resources, and demonstrates the HBCSD Learner Profile traits of Resourcefulness, Self-Awareness, Caring, and Responsibility.

Timarie Sicoli is recognized as the heart and face of Smith Elementary School. As the Office Manager, she is often the first person students and families encounter each day, and her welcoming demeanor leaves a lasting impression. She greets every student and family by name, making each person feel seen, valued, and at home.

Nominators describe Timarie as endlessly resourceful, deeply caring, and extraordinarily organized. She consistently takes on additional responsibilities, managing paperwork, coordinating field trips, and organizing assemblies, simply to lighten the load for teachers. She is often one of the first to arrive and the last to leave, volunteering her time because she genuinely cares about the school community she serves.

One nominator shared a particularly meaningful story: after casually mentioning she was looking for a craft supply, Timarie searched for the item that evening on her own time, purchased it, and had a student deliver it to the classroom the next morning. This kind of quiet, selfless generosity is not an isolated incident; it is simply who Timarie is. She also connects families in need with local community resources, organizes holiday food drives, and has decorated and beautified the office spaces at Smith, creating a warm, welcoming environment for everyone who walks through the door.

Through her dedication to students, families, and colleagues, Timarie reflects Supportive School Environments, Engaged Community, and Responsible Use of Resources while demonstrating the HBCSD Learner Profile traits of Resourcefulness, Caring, and Responsibility.

Angelique Martinez is recognized for her passion for teaching, her deep commitment to every student's success, and the joyful, nurturing classroom environment she creates each day at Smith Elementary. As a first-grade teacher, Mrs. Martinez gets to know each of her students as individuals, embracing their differences and meeting them exactly where they are.

Nominators describe Mrs. Martinez as a teacher who builds students' strengths and supports them through their challenges with genuine enthusiasm. One parent shared that their son came into first grade as a struggling reader who dreaded the subject. Mrs. Martinez took the time to connect him with a book series he loved, and from that point on, his passion for reading grew until he couldn't get enough, a journey that ultimately led him to the GATE program. Another nominator noted that she ensures all her students are meeting their goals, keeps learning fun, and always shows love and support for every child in her classroom.

Perhaps most powerfully, one nominator shared that when Mrs. Martinez experienced a personal loss, she still showed up for her students, offering them support and care even when she was the one who needed it most. That kind of dedication speaks to the depth of her commitment and the character she brings to her role every day.

Through her differentiated instruction, strong communication with families, and wholehearted investment in student success, Angelique reflects Academic Achievement and Supportive School Environments while demonstrating the HBCSD Learner Profile traits of Resourcefulness, Self-Awareness, Caring, Responsibility, and Curiosity.